Colin Oakes July We took a holiday in Ann Chance Phil Holt October speaker August September speaker speaker Always a quiet period as we drifted through Summer with a number of groups deciding to take a short break to enable members to reconnect with their families. September was the month for the T&D U3A AGM, given it was the second year in a row that its been held in September then it must now be a tradition?? We’re pleased that so many of our members were enthralled by the prospect of attending the AGM that as a reward we invited back Ann Chance as our speaker to provide some light relief. As our membership numbers continue to rise we reached a new peak at the October meeting with over 260 members attending, getting close to standing room only? Weatherwise, it’s impossible not to mention the weather. Halloween was again memorable as a late summer’s day as it has been for the last three years apparently? You may, or may not, believe in climate change but something’s afoot Trips and Events have, as usual, been busy with two trips, the first to the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum in West Sussex and the second to the Royal Albert Hall for a backstage tour and concert. AGM Please note that what follows are notes on the AGM and do not constitute the definitive record of that meeting. Master of ceremonies for the AGM was the Secretary Mike Batson. Chairman’s Report The Chairman George Porter gave a quick review of the past year covering trips and events, theatre group visits, the Open day and the Barn dance. Referring to membership it continues to rise having passed the 600 mark. Regular attendees to the monthly meetings may have noticed that the meetings are busier with attendance now averaging over 200 members/meeting. George thanked the committee members and group leaders for their contribution to the success of and District U3A. Group Co-ordinator’s report Mike Cassidy gave an update on group activity. We currently have about 50 groups with an average membership of 12. Groups vary in size with the largest being Aviation, Country & Western, Exploring with Bus Pass, Lunch and Theatre groups. Over the year we have lost the Travel, Fishing and Jewellery groups while gaining RummiKubs, Mini Wobbly Wheels and Geocaching groups. As group liaison Mike thanked the group leaders for all the effort they put into running their groups. Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer Mervyn Pugh presented the report. At the time the accounts were audited we had a membership of 575 and our financial position remains strong. Over the year income was down £2,342 primarily due to the reduction in membership fees to £15. Expenditure rose by £1,122 mainly due to increased membership and associated hall hire charges. Monthly meeting and speaker charges are also rising. In line with the aim of keeping the membership fees affordable the committee reduced the membership fee to £12 for this year. When asked whether there were any questions David Gent requested that details of the Social a/c be added to the statement of finances. David Gent also flagged up a change in Charity Commission requirements to publish details of Reserves policy. The Treasurer will investigate both of these items. Motions There was a single motion from the Executive Committee to change the OBJECTS clause (Clause 3) of the constitution of Tadley and District U3A to the Charitable Purposes clause of the current Model Constitution (see document on website for full details). The motion was passed. Mike then moved on to nominations for officers of the U3A which were unanimously accepted. Chair: George Porter Vice-Chair: Ken Pickering Secretary: Mike Batson Treasurer: Mervyn Pugh

Followed by nominations for members of the executive committee which were unanimously accepted. Bob Bone Jacki Cassidy Mike Cassidy Margaret Grinstead Colin Hewitt Roland Higgins Carol Phipps Angie Pickering We are pleased to welcome Carol Phipps as a new member of the committee. Mike thanked members for attending the AGM and closed the meeting. Monthly Speakers Colin Oakes gave July’s talk on the subject of "Pepys - Fire and Plague". Colin is an archaeologist by profession and has undertaken many excavations across the country. He has a deep interest in the 17th century and over the years has led innumerable walking tours, coach trips and lectured widely. Colin is also a Blue Badge London guide. Pepys is of course best known for his diaries chronicling ten years of his life 1660-1669. Colin did not confine himself to those ten years but took us on a whirlwind tour of Pepys as the son of a tailor who through patronage, good luck and natural intelligence attained high office in the Navy and as an MP in Parliament. But it is the diaries that are the real interest with Pepys’s account of the Fire of London, the Great Plague of London, everyday notes on eating, drinking and entertainment, and, to put it politely, his misbehaviour with innumerable women. A fascinating talk on a fascinating man. (Claire Tomalin’s biography of Pepys is a good read. Ed.)

In August, we paused for reflection.

Our September speaker Ann Chance’s talk was "Petticoat Pilot", her tales of learning to fly. Ann has previously entertained us with her tales of learning to ride and her subsequent adventures cattle driving in the USA. We did hope that Ann’s flying tales wouldn’t be as chaotic as when she learned to ride! Ann’s desire to fly was kicked off when she took part in a tandem skydive where she decided she quite liked the idea of being in charge of a light aircraft. Ann’s story begins at the age of 53 and a licence gained at 56. In between a lot happened the tales of which had the audience laughing out loud.

Phil Holt gave October’s talk entitled "The Red Arrows - Best of British". Phil has been an air traffic controller for over 30 years, served as a reservist in the R.A.F. as a flying instructor and in Maritime Air Region operations. Phil is also involved with airshow organising and continues as an active pilot ...the list is endless. The Red Arrows are not the first RAF aerobatic team, bi-planes were performing aerobatics at Hendon in 1920. The modern(ish) aerobatics started with Hawker Hunters in 1956 when they became known as the Black Arrows (blame the French). Various changes of plane and colour take us to today where the Red Arrows fly BAE Hawks. Pilots don’t stay long, each pilot only gets three years in the Red Arrows before being returned to normal duty. There is also a large engineering team known as The Blues consisting of 85 members. Phil also talked about various manoeuvres, call signs, etc, which are too numerous to list so for more information try this website http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/ Trips and Events Weald and Downland Open Air Museum In early September a group of our members paid a visit to the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum in West Sussex. It was a lovely day with plenty of sunshine, which was appreciated as the museum sn entirely outdoors and spread over a very large area. The range of buildings is extensive dating from the twelfth century up to a Victorian School House. All the buildings were in danger so, to save them they were deconstructed, transported from various locations across Southern and rebuilt in their original state at the museum. It gives the visitor a insight into the living conditions and lifestyle of the period in which they were constructed As there was more than enough to see in the time that we spent there a second visit would prove equally interesting. Royal Albert Hall Tour and Concert Last October we visited the Royal Albert Hall for the Friendship Concert and a tour of the building which proved to be a great success and very popular with our members; so much so, that we decided to repeat the trip again this year. So, on 18th October we made an early start to arrive in time for a morning coffee before the tour at 11.30am. As we had so many members they divided us into three groups to make the tour, which lasted approximately an hour. This gave us plenty of time to enjoy a lunch break before the concert at 3pm. This year the programme was “The Best of Broadway” and it surely was, with songs from the Musicals, including ‘Gypsy’ ‘Miss Saigon’ ‘Phantom Of The Opera’ ‘Les Miserables’ and many more, finishing with a medley of the songs from ‘Mama Mia’ which was the perfect way to end the concert and leave the audience wishing for more. Trip reports by Angie Pickering. If you have any enquiries regarding this or future events then please contact: Angie & Ken Pickering at: [email protected] Tel. 0118 981 2489 Dates for your diary All monthly meetings are held in Tadley Community Centre. Doors open at 10:45 with the meeting starting at 11:15 and finishing at 13:00. Monthly Meetings

19th January 2017 "40 Years of Catching Smugglers - A Case Study" Malcolm Nelson 16th February 2017 "The John Lewis Partnership” Gavin Henderson 16th March 2017 “Henry VIII” Actor/impersonator Tony Harris Interest Groups A full list of interest groups and Group Leader contact details can be found at the end of this newsletter.  The Guitar group is in the process of being set up if you are interested and have not contacted Mike Cassidy then please do so on mcas [email protected] Art & Crafts Group The Art group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at Heath End Village Hall for a social get together and as a disciplined way to motivate any latent talent we may have for painting, crayoning or anything else loosely called art! There are several stalwarts and some casuals but we would welcome more members, so do come along and give it a try. You don’t have to be good at anything, just enjoy giving art a go in the company of others. No- one will criticise your work, but suggestions are available if you ask. Most of us work in watercolour (paint or pencil). At the AGM in September, you may have seen our joint effort at representing the various groups of our U3A in a painted collage. The intention was to symbolise each group with a picture, occasionally we have used one picture for two or three groups where one picture fitted all. Each member of the group have painted at least one - and I know someone who did four! We hope the collage will soon have a permanent home, but please look out for it at all the monthly meetings where it will be displayed. Group report by Stan Terrett

Aviation Group The summer period seems to have been quieter than usual this year and for the first time, despite our policy of “We never close”, we actually did cancel our August meeting. As we missed the get together so much we will probably revert back to normal next year. We made several visits during the period as well as bringing in a couple of speakers. Speakers: Bill Turnill returned in July with his “The Cold War and the V Force Deterrent” talk. Again, an excellent informative talk from someone who was part of it flying Vulcans. David Keen from the RAF Museum at Hendon is scheduled to talk to us on the 8th November. David will present ”The Amy Johnson Story”. From Amy’s childhood through her career making her record breaking solo flight to Australia in 1930 and culminating in her untimely death during the Second World War when her RAF Airspeed Oxford disappeared. And looking further ahead, Paul Smy a retired Air Traffic Controller will be talking to us in March of next year about the world of Air Traffic Control. Just a few visits during the period. Our annual Gliding Evening at Lasham took place in good weather in July after being rescheduled from June. Again several group members took advantage of the weather. A great summer’s evening of silent flying over the countryside was enjoyed by all. Dinner in the clubhouse after the flying rounded off a fine visit. Again, another visit to Lasham to look at the new lottery funded Heritage Glider Collection. Very interesting display of early gliders. In August a group of 18 members enjoyed a visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton. Early start to get there by 10.00am to look around the Museum’s Reserve Collection at Cobham Hall. The afternoon was spent looking around the excellent museum proper. The museum is a very worthwhile trip and for youngsters is very inspiring. Maybe some of our members may yet apply to join the Royal Navy? In September a further visit to the British Airways Heritage Collection at BA Headquarters, Waterside was enjoyed by those who went along. We seem to make many return visits to places of interest but the idea is to try and ensure that everyone who wishes to visit is afforded the opportunity to do so with the group. I think that a lot of the places have now had just about everyone passing through. Group report by Roland Higgins A longer version of this article is available on our website: http://www.u3asites.org.uk/tadley . Select menu item Groups | Aviation

Birds and Wildlife The Birds and Wildlife group have had a good year with the weather definitely in our favour. Our trip in September to the Wetlands Centre in London was an excellent day out if a bit hot not only for us but the birds as well. We had a number of interesting talks given to us on the resident water birds and Otters. As a bonus several members of the group were lucky enough to see Kingfisher and Shrike. In October the group went to Dinton Pastures at Winnersh. It was an excellent day with sightings of Shrikes, Lapwings, Heron and a wide variety of water birds. We would recommend both venues for a day out. Group report by Jacki Cassidy

Bridge Group The Bridge group welcomes new members who would like to play socially - no bridge club stuffiness. We do not have the facility to teach absolute beginners, but relative novices have nothing to fear. If you have learned the basics, perhaps from a book, online or computer games, give us a try - play with humans! If you played bridge many years ago and would like to get back into it, you will also be welcome. You don't need to bring a partner, just your brain. You can dip in and out as you please - there is no commitment to come every week. Every Monday 2-5pm in the Beavers Room at Tadley Community Centre. Group report by George Porter

Bus Pass Trippers

Using trains to places like Winchester enables us to increase the variety of destinations at a modest cost - for example an off-peak Groupsave (or Railcard) return to Winchester, from where a many bus services radiate, is only £6.10. Recent expeditions have taken us to Marlborough (train to Hungerford), Oxford arriving by boat from Sandford Lock (bus from Reading), Southampton Town Walk (bus from Winchester), and Winchester via Alton. Join us on the second Tuesday of the month for a relaxing day out. Support the new bus service to Reading. Timetables from Tadley Library or http://www.tadred.com/times. Use it or lose it!

Group report by George Porter

Camping and Caravanning Group We have met four times this year and, possibly luckily, we have managed to have some great weather. As a special treat on our last meeting we had 'A big breakfast' courtesy of Tom with his big griddle(?). We all gathered around eating our freshly griddled bacon, sausages and eggs, much to the envy of those around us eating lesser fare. It is worth noting that the big breakfast was in addition to our delicious afternoon tea provided by the Cassidys. We have made our plans for next year and if anyone would like to join us just get in touch with me. We are going to: - Lynton April 3rd to 7th Cambridge May 22nd to 28th Terversal (Nottingham) June 19th to 23rd Conkers (Derbyshire) September 25th to 29th These dates can be extended to either going earlier or staying later as a number of us do. Looking forward to seeing some of you on our adventures. Group report by Cilla Radley

Computing Group The excitement engendered by windows 10 has long gone with the majority of the group having decided to bite the bullet and carry out the upgrade (those who haven’t upgraded are mainly dependant on applications that are not available on Windows 10). The good news is that this means we now have enough time to help out people who are having more everyday problems with their computers (and phones and tablets!). Group report by Colin Hewitt

Country Dancing We have made some changes to the group during the summer break. The main one being the change of day for English Dancing from Thursday to Wednesday. This means that Country Dancing is now a combination of English Country Dancing and Scottish Country Dancing. It is still in the Scout Hall from 2.30- 4.30pm every Wednesday. At my request many of the dancers are now helping with the running of each session and are offering help within the sets when needed. It all adds to the camaraderie and enjoyment within the group not to mention a lot of laughter when mistakes are made on more than one occasion by the group leader. One of the meetings which caused plenty of merriment was when we were asked to show the Beavers some of our dancing. We included them in some easy ones. The result was close to chaos but a treat of little biscuits in the shape of Scotty dogs & Thistles & lovely chocolates served to us by the Beavers made up for it. In July we had our traditional dancing, tea and cakes in the garden at my house except that this time the dancing had to be put on hold as it was seriously hot. As has been said many times Scottish Dancing’s strength is to get the blood going when it’s a wee bit chilly, in July it definitely wasn’t chilly. Our first meeting after the summer break we remembered with much sadness the loss of Jeff Baldock. Both he and Gill have been at the centre of the group and generous with their help. We will miss Jeff's enthusiasm and skill in helping us. We are so glad to see Gill back with us and I know that there’s an awareness that Jeff's influence in the group will continue. Group report by Marjorie Wilson

Craft Group The crafters have been on holiday so we have had a quiet summer. In July we made paper from shredded paper. Now we need to find a use for it! At present we are Quilling. We roll 3mm wide paper, shape it and then glue it and make a card. At the November meeting we shall be showing some of our efforts so do come to the table and have a look. (Your editor takes it on trust that this is a true and honest statement of what the Craft group has been up to!!). Group report by Pam Stone

Cribbage Group It has been said (by me actually) that Crib players would play standing up in a telephone box if the opportunity for a game arose. Despite the fact that some of us (ahem!) find it very difficult to win, this does not put anyone off from turning up week after week to enjoy the craic. This very friendly and gently competitive group continues to thrive and to welcome new members who appear every now and then. Group report by Group report by Andy Imms

Croquet Group The Croquet group have had the best season yet. The weather has been so good that we are still playing at the end of October; we now play at the Pelican on a Monday 11:00 – 1:00 and 1:00 -3:00. During the winter months we play Crib and other card games in the morning 11:00 – 1:00. We hope to resume playing croquet at the beginning of April weather permitting. We are a very friendly group and if on a Monday morning you feel like some fun with friendly competition then please come and join us. Group report by Jacki Cassidy

Exploring by Bus with Bus Pass ' The best bus trip ever ' ' A fantastic day out ' ' Can we do this again next year? ' Just three of the comments made by members following our September bus group day out. The weather was warm and beautiful with a cloudless blue sky and very little wind. We caught the number 2 Stagecoach bus to Railway station where we took the fast train to Bournemouth using the greatly reduced South West Railways fare for a day return journey. Arriving in Bournemouth we came out of the station to find the Purbeck Breezer bus conveniently waiting for our group. The route the bus followed was Bournemouth to Westbourne Arcade to Canford Cliffs to Sandbanks to Shell Bay by ferry to Studland Beach and finally Swanage. We continued past the many beautiful beaches and countryside that Purbeck is famous for before reaching our final destination of Swanage. Arriving in Swanage, we were welcomed by an unspoilt seaside town bursting with character, old- fashioned charm, a town centre with interesting, and unique, curiosity shops and to top it all a vintage steam railway. A stroll along the old-fashioned pier was almost obligatory complete with some relaxation time in a deck chair enjoying the warm early September sun, before visiting the large variety of shops and then for some, another Italian ice-cream. In October, we offered a trip to the Royal Albert Hall for the Charity Concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. It was our first venture as a bus group to London using public transport. We took the train to Waterloo and then caught the bus to Victoria Station where we visited the first Wetherspoons establishment established in this country for a group lunch. Leaving Victoria, we caught another bus to the Royal Albert Hall. We had plenty of time to look around the Royal Albert Hall before the performance which we all enjoyed. Group report by David Gent A longer version of this article is available on our website: http://www.u3asites.org.uk/tadley . Select menu item Groups | Exploring with bus pass

Family History Enthusiastic researchers continue to occupy the computers in Tadley Library once a month with the result that some very interesting finds have surfaced over the time that we have been going there. The main group meeting at Heath Memorial Hall, also monthly, is equally well attended with members telling their family stories, exchanging ideas about their research and, judging by the noise level at tea break, enjoying the company of other amateur genealogists! Group report by Andy Imms

History Group Recent subjects have included Eleanor of Aquitane and the history of Armenia. This is a strictly non-academic group and we can be tempted to dive off onto side roads as the mood takes us. Join us on the fourth Thursday at 10:30am

Group report by George Porter

Italian The Italian group is sorry to be losing one of its members, Rosemary, who is moving out of the area, but they are looking forward to enjoying a group farewell at Sasso’s where we can try out our Italian while enjoying the food.

Group report by Margaret Williams

Jazz Appreciation Join us on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 1100am for an unscripted wander through the riches of jazz from the 1920s to today, from the archives on Youtube.

Group report by: George Porter

Mah Jong Group

Our numbers are slowly growing but we still manage to meet at my house, which does make catering considerably easier. The members are getting more adventurous making and playing special hands although I am still having a problem with trying to get them all to score. We meet at my house every other Monday from 2.00 to 4.30. Give me a ring on 0118 981 2144 if you fancy joining us. Group report by Cilla Radley

Model Workshop Work has progressed well amongst our members. Summer holidays have taken their toll on productivity of course, but we don't aim to produce much anyway. Rumours of changing the name of the group to the political debating society are ill founded! Anyway, Lyn has just finished her solar powered Stirling engine which works well if we ever see the sun, and Norman toils tirelessly on his model locomotives. Alan has started a major project of rebuilding a model lathe, which will keep him busy for some time. Colin is working hard making huge piles of swarf, amongst which he is hoping to find his aluminium paint pot shaker. Things here are about to take a dangerous turn as he will be in charge of a blowtorch to aluminium braze some part together. Working a safe distance away is Chris who is helping me make a 3D milling centre, another long term project. Mike and John, also with an eye to safety have rapidly finished a wood lathe vacuum head, and wood stove fan respectively. Clive has decided to re-live a boyhood dream and make a stationary steam engine. That is to say it is not a vehicle in that it does not go around. Chunks of metal have appeared and we are seeing the first hints of steam already as the work begins. All in all, this is a great group to work with and we are all learning new skills and vocabulary. Group report by Dennis Cowdery

Play Reading We are a welcoming and friendly group with absolutely no ‘am dram’ pretentions. All the plays are One Act Plays, well chosen by Marjorie with the parts being randomly allocated among the attendees. Subjects have ranged from homelessness to a slightly risqué farce. Do come and join us. Group report by Eileen Drake

Quilting Group Patchwork & quilting is a very addictive hobby which is obvious from the quantity and quality of the projects the group members have worked on during the year. The group has steadily grown to 12 attendees who meet at 1:45-3:45pm on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at the Salvation Army Hall on Mulfords Hill. The Quilting group and the Sewing group will be combining their meetings to support the pooling, and sharing, of skills and ideas. All members are welcome, no matter what their ability; it is surprising what a group can do together. Group report by Linda Evans

Reading Circle John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath is a literary classic, this by itself doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an easy read. Most our group thoroughly enjoyed the book although the colloquial language could be hard work at times. Several our group commented on the similarities between the reluctance of those in California to absorb displaced farmers from the mid-west to what’s going on in Europe today with the influx of migrants. Similar views, prejudices, reasoning were being used by characters in the book as you now hear on news media. Depending on your view Humans was a bit ‘sci fi’ and/or about relationships. We generally decided the ‘sci fi’ was not very good ‘sci fi’ whereas the development of the more emotional aspects of the plot were well constructed but predictable.

The Secret Life of Bees was a well written story that reminds you of what segregation was like in the 60’s in the southern states of America. It’s also the story of a young girl, searching for her mother, who has no experience of the world but somehow ends up in a loving community where she discovers a number of truths about herself. We didn’t all like the book as in some ways it was a book you read for the quality of the writing not necessarily for the underpinning storyline.

West with the Night by Beryl Markham is the story of a girl who’s taken, by her father, at the age of 4 to live in Africa. She describes her life growing up and hunting barefoot with the Massai natives in the bush of Kenya, training racehorses with a trainer's licence at age 18 and becoming the first female to obtain a commercial flying licence there. The book provides a vivid image of colonial life in Africa in the early 1900s where there was always the risk that you might lose your life! Although the book was generally enjoyed what you don’t get from the book is an insight into Beryl herself for example there is no mention of her three marriages! Apparently there's a film version of Beryl’s life called "Shadow on the Sun" (available on YouTube). Group report by Colin Hewitt

Scottish Country Dancing Reflecting the union of our countries many years ago the Scottish Country Dancing group and the English Country Dancing group have likewise united to become the Country Dancing group. We look forward to a long-lasting and happy alliance. See above for more information. Group report by Colin Hewitt

Sewing The Sewing Group is going to continue on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the Month. It will have a slightly different format in that we will be pooling our knowledge and ideas with those of the Quilting group and will run under the umbrella of the Quilting Group. All members are welcome, no matter what their ability; it is surprising what a group can do together. The Group meet at The Salvation Army Hall, Mulsford Hill, there is a car park at the rear, 1.45- 3.45pm, 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. If you are interested either contact me on [email protected] or just turn up on the day. Group report by Jacki Cassidy

Sunday Plus We are a group of people who meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. The group is for people who are on their own who find Sunday a bit too quiet. The group provides the company of others in a social environment. We quite often meet in Sainsbury’s cafe and as we have 20+ members there are usually quite a lot of us. We go out to local pubs for lunch about once a month and have visited the Butt Inn, the Pelican and the Queen’s College Arms. We are always open to suggestions of where else we can meet although Sainsbury’s has the advantage that it is very convenient especially in the winter. Group report by Diane Carter

Ten Pin Bowling We meet every 2nd and 4th Thursday, 11am, the Bowlplex, Basingstoke Leisure Centre. We usually play one friendly and sociable game, it’s not costly as we pay a concessionary rate of £3.00 plus 50p for the U3A. We don't play during the school holiday - it's too busy and it costs more! The last session before Christmas is on 8th December, starting again on 12th January 2017. You can wear your own (sensible!) shoes and you would be welcome to join us. Group report by Pam Stone

Theatre Group We have been busy in the second half of the year and have been to see a good variety of shows since the last newsletter. In June 38 of us went to the Salisbury Playhouse to see The Mousetrap, we were kept guessing right up until the end, but unfortunately we were sworn to secrecy and can’t tell you ‘whodunit’. On 11th August 31 of us went to The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton to see CATS, unfortunately the sound quality wasn’t very good and this spoilt it for a few of our members, but most of the others thoroughly enjoyed the show. Our next outing was to see Kinky Boots at The Adelphi Theatre, London at the end of September – what a brilliant show, it made me smile so much my face ached. We stayed more local for our next outing which was to The Haymarket, Basingstoke to see Nobody’s Perfect on 20th October. With a cast of 4, we were kept amused by this feel good romantic comedy, with interesting characters, slick timing, and love winning out in the end – what a great way to spend an afternoon. Our final show of the year is again in Basingstoke, with the BATS (Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society) performance of The Full Monty at The Anvil on 16th November. Most of us have seen the film, now we want to know – will they dare to bare! If you are interested in joining the Theatre Group contact Ann-Marie Dalton via the U3A website or at the monthly speaker meeting. Group report by Ann-Marie Dalton

Ukulele Group The Ukulele Group continues to go from strength to strength. We number about 20 in total; a dozen or so turning up every Monday afternoon for 90 mins of singing and playing (and the consuming of copious amounts of tea & custard creams!). It is uplifting and joyous!! We are up to about 100 songs that we play with differing degrees of competence. The songs that cause us the greatest problems are the songs that provoke the greatest hilarity. Bev Scott, from the Choir Group, arranges a monthly outing to various Care Homes around the area to entertain the “old folks”. You can think of it as a bunch of old f*rts playing to an even older group of old f*rts. A healthy posse from the choir group (The TUGETTES) bolster our singing. None of us has been kept behind in a Care Home by the staff, so far! The Ukulele is a terrific instrument; songs can be played within a few days (e.g. Jambalaya) with no previous musical knowledge. Group report by Taff Powell

Walking Group Over the last four months, June to September, we have had four walks. The June walk was a circular 5.5 mile route from the Vine at Hannington returning via . The weather was fine allowing us to enjoy really good views over the surrounding countryside. The July walk, starting at the Heath End village hall, was the and Meadows route. This walk was postponed from April because the ground was so wet. The walk was a very pleasant 5 miles starting at Heath End Village Hall, down through Baughurst, , Ashford Hill nature reserve and back through . From this walk you get some fine views of Hampshire and in the nature reserve wildflowers with acres of gently waving grass. If you cast you mind back to July this was the week where the temperatures hit 30C and nothing much else happened. In August we started our walk at the Wall Lane car park and continued around the outskirts of Silchester. The route took us on a five mile walk on footpaths across from St Mary's Church towards Clappers Farm then across fields to West End Green and a circular path back into Silchester. The September walk was a 5.5 mile circular route starting and finishing at the Anchor Road car park in . The route took us up to the Hannington transmission mast then across the main road to Watership Down, past the gallops and then back to the start. Fortunately we had really good weather which allowed us to see race horses being exercised on the gallops and enjoy fantastic views for miles around. Although there were some fairly steep paths to negotiate we all finished with a smile on our faces. Group report by Gerry Smith

Miscellany She is Gone The following poem was read at a funeral of one of our members that I attended recently. Generally, I have problems with poetry but the simplicity of this poem struck me. Looking back, this poem was originally written as a salve to the memory of an unrequited love, since then it has become more associated with bereavement (Ed.). She is Gone “You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she’s gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what she’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.” David Harkins, 1981 Stereotypes After picking up the last newsletter in Alton I stopped off at Lasham Garden Centre for a cup of coffee. Sitting outside enjoying the sun I noticed a group of people who wouldn’t be out of place in our U3A chatting away quite happily. Were they talking about aches and pains or possibly what the grandchildren had been up to? I’m pleased to report they were discussing whether to upgrade to Windows 10, broadband suppliers and if they’d get a vote in the Labour party leadership election. It’s too easy to pigeon hole people! Goodbye 2016 As I put this edition of the newsletter to bed I hear from the news that Leonard Cohen has passed away. You do wonder what the remnants of 2016 could possibly throw at us? Your Committee Chair: George Porter Vice Chair: Ken Pickering Secretary: Mike Batson Treasurer: Mervyn Pugh Assistant Treasurer: Bob Bone Membership: Jacki Cassidy Group Liaison: Michael Cassidy Hospitality: Margaret Grinstead Newsletter/WebMaster: Colin Hewitt Speaker Secretary: Roland Higgins Membership Assistant Carol Phipps Trips & Events: Angie Pickering

For general enquiries on any subject then do mail us on [email protected] The Newsletter For the next newsletter we would like to introduce a Letters and Features section so if you have a view, opinion, observation, comment, etc. then do send the editor an e-mail for inclusion in the Letters section. Alternatively if you have an article of general interest, preferably local, suitable for the Features section then likewise e-mail the editor at [email protected] . Please note that the editor reserves the right to edit, accept or reject any letters or features sent for publication. Please e-mail us on [email protected] with suggestions for items that you would like included in the Newsletter, content that may prove of interest or any comments that you may have on the content/layout/etc. of the Newsletter.